INTRODUCTION TO THE SAUDI NATIONAL BANK
The Saudi National Bank (SNB) is the largest financial institution in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest powerhouses in the region. SNB plays a vital role in supporting economic transformation in Saudi Arabia by transforming the local banking sector and catalyzing the delivery of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Its strategy is closely aligned with the Vision’s programs. SNB also leverages its position as the largest institutional and specialized financier in the Kingdom to support the Kingdom’s landmark deals and mega projects.
SNB’s vision is to be a premier financial and banking service provider locally and regionally through the fulfilment of strategic aspirations: to be number one in revenues, number one in profit, the best in customer service, the best digital bank, and the employer of choice, and the best Shariah-compliant products service provider in the world. The Bank’s effort to achieve these aspirations is reflected in achieving record annual profits for the eighth consecutive year.
SNB seeks to leverage the expanded scale, reach, and digital capabilities to provide enhanced products and deliver unparalleled customer experience. SNB robust balance sheet, resilient business model, and healthy liquidity position enhance the Bank’s capability to compete locally and regionally, and to facilitate trade and capital flows between the Kingdom and regional and global markets.
SNB delivers best-in-class digital solutions, drive homeownership through growth in residential finance, foster MSME development and lending, and seeks to be the foremost trusted partner for top-tier Saudi corporates and institutions to support the Kingdom’s mega deals and projects, and to be the biggest provider of Shariah-compliant products for all segments. The Saudi National Bank is a leader in treasury and capital markets, and it owns both NCB Capital and Samba Capital & Investment Management, who, together would form the biggest asset manager, brokerage and investment bank in Saudi Arabia. SNB has a strong international presence in Middle East, South Asia and Turkey, which supports the Bank’s vision to compete regionally and internationally to earn our place as a global leader in financial services.
SNB is a committed supporter of Saudization, creating many opportunities for young people and achieving record rates of Saudization, its senior management team are predominantly Saudi. SNB also gives great importance to empowering women, giving them big opportunities to assume leading positions at the Bank. Corporate responsibility is an essential element of SNB corporate culture and business philosophy. Its corporate responsibility strategy focuses on empowering individuals and non-profit organizations, and supporting community activities.
Establishment of the Saudi National Bank
SNB has been formed after the merger of two big banks; the National Commercial Bank and Samba Financial Group. The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has been considered the largest and the first bank to officially be licensed and operate in Saudi Arabia, following the Royal Decree of the 26th of December 1953, corresponding to 20th of Rabi Al-Thani 1373H, after the merger of Saudi Arabia's largest currency exchange houses at the time.
The Bank established its Shariah Board in 1996, then became a joint stock company in 1997. In 1999, the Saudi Government, represented by the Public Investment Fund, owned majority of the Bank’s shares, whilst the remaining shares were owned by the General Organization for Social Insurance and a number of Saudi investors.
In 2014, NCB’s initial public offering (25% of the Bank’s shares) marked the start of a new era of the Bank’s history.
Over 68 years, the Bank has maintained its growth and development, mirroring the Kingdom’s progress towards modernity and continuous improvement. Today, SNB holds a leading position with its more than 7.4 million customers, meeting their needs through outstanding products, services, and innovative solutions, harnessing technology to enhance their experience, and fulfilling their needs of Shariah-compliant products and services.
Samba Financial Group is a Saudi leading banking and financial institution. Samba’s first branch was established in 1955 under Citibank name. In 1980, A Royal Decree was issued by which Citibank became the Saudi American Bank, with majority shareholding owned by Saudi. In 1999, Samba merged with United Saudi Bank creating one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East. The year 2003 witnessed a remarkable milestone for Samba, as it became under full local management and the business was officially renamed Samba Financial Group or Samba.
Over the past 40 years, Samba has been offering wide range of banking products and services to retail, corporate, private and investment clients. The Group played a key role in supporting SMEs in Saudi Arabia, and offered its banking services to international clients in different regions around the world.
1st April 2021 was the Legal Day 1 of the Saudi National Bank after the merger between the National Commercial Bank and Samba Financial Group. Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, hosts the new headquarters of the Saudi National Bank.
